Wednesday, May 19, 2010

This is the view from one of the two computer desks in our home. Each have bulletin boards loaded with random pictures and notes for all to see. One is in my office, one is in the kitchen. Both have one thing in common, and it's hard to miss.....

This note--

Godson wrote it years ago when he was old enough to play games on our computers.

He was not happy about writing himself a reminder like this because it was proof-- with no wiggle room, that he was not allowed to so much as touch my computers until his homework was 100% done.

Godson is the master of homework procrastination.

Three times a week, homework is done at my house before his Mom arrives to pick him up after work. It's a push/pull hour or three, but together we've managed to always get the job done with a minimal amount of bribing on my part.

When homework started being assigned in the second grade, I made it clear that it was HIS homework and responsibility, not mine. Godson's Mom agreed and shared with him that she had no problem having a 30 year old second grader, if need be, so he got the "just do it" homework message loud and clear from the start. We also reminded him that we would not be missing recess for unfinished homework, he would.

But he still procrastinates like there's no tomorrow.

First it's the "I'm starving to death" snack necessity, followed by a call to both his parents--multiple times. Next there's usually something fascinating happening outside that he simply must show me. Then it's the backpack clean-out that leads to a lengthy debate about something totally riveting like the color of zippers. Occasionally he gets unusually creative and requests a hot bath-- Like that's going to happen!

But eventually the excuses come to an end and the homework is finished relatively quickly but with a big sigh asking why I made it take so long. Then, the now 7th grader, parks himself at the computer desk oblivious to life around him until his Mom arrives.

Today as part of Godson's procrastination attempt, he proudly announced that he's a whopping 4' 8" tall and that I need a new computer set-up-- a bigger desk and chair-- to suit his ever growing 80 pound body. I reminded him that I'm several inches taller and more pounds heavier than I'd like to admit and the desk and chair suit me just fine. He gave me a head to toe once over, realized he was busted on that approach, and went back to his homework.

Life is pretty simple when you're 13... Unless you procrastinate the day away.

********

Remember last week when I mentioned a GIVEAWAY??? Well here it is....

Thanks to the nice folks at CSN Stores, I'm giving away a $60 gift certificate good at any of their more than 200+ online stores. They have over 1 million products like shoes, furniture, baby and kid stuff, cookware, sporting goods, outdoor decor and did I mention shoes!!! So I'm sure you'll find something you can't live without!

I'm throwing in an additional $25 Amazon.com Gift Card because I love you all so much! (One drawing-- winner takes all!)

Entering the Giveaway is easy:

--Leave a message on this post and/or ANY of my NEW posts between now and Midnight Pacific Time, May 30, 2010. One entry per post but the more you read and comment on new posts the more entries you'll receive.

--Blog about the Giveaway (linking to THIS POST) and leave one additional massage on this post with your linking URL. (Good for one extra entry. Please, if you have more than one blog, only post about the Giveaway once.)

--You must have a blog to enter. No exceptions.

--Make sure your comment links to your email or leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

--As for Following-- That doesn't get your extra entries, sorry. My hope is that if you come back and enter multiple times you'll get to know me and decide if you really want to be a Follower or not. I hope you do!

Note: This is a one-time use $60 gift certificate from CSN Stores. CSN will email the Gift Certificate directly to the winner. CSN Certificate applies to merchandise only. Shipping is additional. Usual terms and conditions apply to Amazon.com Gift Card which will be emailed by me to the winner. Drawing will be random and results are final.

Remember, Leave a comment on this post and all my new posts between now and May 30th. The more new posts you comment on the more chances you'll have to win!

Good luck!

Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins

Photo Credit: Joanna Jenkins

Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for the CSN Giveaway. I was given the opportunity to provide a giveaway for my readers and I jumped on it.

Thanks so much, Joanna...the title is "Life's Journey" - I'm just waiting to get the final proof copy back ( this will be the 3rd ) - each time, I found a couple of tiny corrections. I thought I was done, then I had my son go through the last copy and he picked up a couple more things!

Hey, I can procrastinate for Africa and I'm a teacher! Although I mainly procrastinate about such delights as ironing, cleaning out the pantry, changing the dead lightbulb..... Always love your posts Joanna!

I still procrastinate!!! LOL!! I need someone like you in my corner shooting down all my lame excuses so that I will get down to work!!Great post and a wonderful giveaway!! Definitely count me inHugsSueAnnslommler@gmail.com

Goodness, I didn't realize your godson is 13 already. I can just see you standing firm on the distractions he presents. Good thing you and his parents are on the same page with his procrastination. I know how much you truly love being part of his life and he is fortunate to have special time with you so often. I will put up a post about your giveaway and be back to let you know when it is up. Probably tomorrow. I'm so glad you like hubby's music and thanks for putting up the link to where people can listen and buy his CD. This is indeed an honor to have his picture and link on your blog.

And the procrastination thing is soooo frustrating. My husband did it. My son does it now. I just don't get it. I was always a "let's get it over with" kind of gal and typically had most of my homework done before I'd even left school!!

I would love to win, but I hope I'm not eliminated because I'm on a blogging hiatus. However, if people come to my blog they do see you're on my blog roll-- maybe that counts? I know it doesn't, but like your godson, I thought it a creative suggestion.

Oh what fun...Add meeeee please will add a link to my big blog:)I have a serious "your job" attitude with my kids...if they need help I am there..but if they choose to ignore it ...well.. they get to ignore the PS3 and games and outside fun etc etc..of course the chores are always available LOL!I have a friend who is an older mom of one child..our youngest have grown up together..they are now 6. She said to me one day when they were 4..as Nonni was busy loading the VCR and starting a movie for them..why I seldome lifted a hand to do for my kids? She was not being polite..I asked her if her daughter could work the computer, VCR and DVD player all by herself? She said no.... I said who do you think taught them so they could do it all by themselves? She said..."Oh."Sounds like you are doing an amazing job with him hon....he is a lucky boy!! Hugs, Sarah

Your desk looks like mine used to...my walls were covered and it looked like that scene out of A Beautiful Mind (remember the garage??) However I am now starting it all over as I took everything down and painted, lol

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